Make the most of paradise’s breathtaking region on cycling trails that reveal it in all its beauty. No matter your level or cycling style, there’s sure to be an adventure suitable to your biking style and fitness level.
Unlearn about Broome’s unique cultural attractions by taking a town or pearling tour, as well as exploring its pearling history by following the Jetty to Jetty Trail.
1. The Erie Canalway Trail
The Erie Canalway Trail beckons cyclists of all ages and abilities from across the nation to embark on a voyage of discovery along a historic transportation corridor. Boasting an intriguing history, its visitors have access to local communities along its length. Furthermore, newcomers could help spur local economies and bolster initiatives designed to protect Corridor assets.
Bicycle tourists visit the Erie Canalway Trail for various reasons, such as its scenic beauty, proximity to charming villages, and experience of canal-era structures and activities. The trail primarily consists of stone and gravel with some paved sections for off-road riding experiences – visitors may explore its entirety by following one of our itineraries or just select sections at a time.
Parks & Trails New York has created an interactive map to make getting started on the Erie Canalway Trail easier, featuring all trail segments and on-road connections from Buffalo to Albany. By using this tool, it allows users to quickly identify the route that best meets their needs – you may even use this map when planning or traveling between destinations as it features accommodations from Cycling the Erie Canal guidebook pages, restaurants, ATMs and grocery stores along its path!
The map also provides access options, including accessibility routes from nearby towns to trails and guides created by parks and open space districts to assist travelers with disabilities in reaching them. For instance, SUNY Broome’s Natural Areas are easily accessible from Erie Canalway Trail for hiking opportunities that suit hikers of all abilities – including those with limited mobility who seek adventures along this great stretch.
As more people discover the joys of cycling travel, it’s vital that all visitors can fully take advantage of this form of transportation. With that goal in mind, PTNY has joined forces with Rochester nonprofit Common Ground Health in order to assess who uses local trails and how best to serve them.
2. The Mohawk-Hudson Bike-Hike Trail
The Mohawk-Hudson Bike-Hike Trail is a multi-use path linking Albany and Schenectady counties of upstate New York. Offering walking, jogging, biking and horseback riding opportunities to both residents and visitors to the area.
The trail offers a combination of off-road paved pathways, on-road bicycle routes, and open space areas suited for walking and bicycling of all ages and abilities. The first 7 miles from Corning Preserve in downtown Albany to Watervliet and Green Island feature off-road pathways suited for pedestrians and bicyclists of all levels; its remaining 2 miles spanning 23rd Street Watervliet to Cannon Street Green Island feature on-road cycling lanes designed specifically for cyclists comfortable riding alongside vehicle traffic lanes.
Families looking for an enjoyable family activity will find that the Albany-Capital District Greenway provides access to local historical and cultural landmarks such as Plotter Kill Aqueduct, Governor Yates House and Mabee Farm Historic Site – plus it runs near many popular restaurants and shops in downtown Albany! Furthermore, this path also connects Albany County Rail Trail at South End with Mohawk Hudson Bike-Hike Trail in Niskayuna through safe connections on Albany-Capital District Greenway.
Survey results conducted among landowners near trails reveal that most are pleased to have the trail as their neighbor. While trails are frequently cited as increasing property values or speed of home sales, most landowners who live adjacent to one say its main benefits lie with providing opportunities for public recreation, health and fitness programming as well as tourism and economic development.
The majority of this 11-mile trail features a paved bike path, making it suitable for kids and adults of all ages. You may also travel along roads for short segments before turning back onto a bike path – these on-road segments may be steep, so may not be recommended to beginners.
Starting in Albany’s Corning Preserve and following the Hudson River for seven miles northward to Watervliet before continuing onto Green Island and ultimately Cohoes to reach Cohoes Bridge is where this trail ends.
3. The Bronx River Greenway
The Bronx River Greenway is a 23 mile multi-use path connecting communities throughout Bronx and Westchester Counties along the Bronx River. This trail allows users to experience nature while providing access to recreational, cultural, and historic sites within urban centers. Work was recently completed on one major gap on this trail in Scarsdale/Hartsdale which makes completing a thru journey across these counties easier than ever.
Starting on Oak Street in Yonkers, this paved trail leads north along an on-ramp for Bronx River Parkway before turning right and paralleling its bridge over the river before entering a park. The terrain here is mostly flat with only minor hills; making this section an excellent way to familiarize oneself with riding bike paths without traffic.
As soon as you enter the park, look out for a shady area to the south of the entrance to the parking lot and a wooden walkway over Creek to Greenway. In this shady spot you may see large rocks placed by volunteers to reduce erosion and sedimentation of shorelines and tidal pools.
At a short distance along the trail you will come to a parking lot and restrooms – ideal if you plan on doing the entire Greenway and returning via Metro-North trains to your starting point. Here, your car can also be left if that is your plan.
As you continue north on the trail, you will come to Starlight Park before jogging eastward through Concrete Park where the Bronx River meets East River. Here, it makes for an excellent way to spend an afternoon off-trail exploring Bronx Zoo or New York Botanical Garden.
At Soundview Park you will head eastbound along the trail until it reaches Lafayette Avenue in the Bronx. This park makes a perfect stop-off on its own as there are various public parks, services and train stations located here which make this trail well connected with downtown areas where your car can be returned after its journey.
4. The Two Rivers Greenway
The Two Rivers Greenway is a multi-use paved path offering recreational opportunities to pedestrians, bicyclists, and other non-motorized users. The Greenway connects North Oconee River Park & Sandy Creek Nature Center to Dudley Park, Oconee Hill Cemetery & Bailey Street/Carrier Lane intersection via Dudley Park.
This trail weaves its way through an idyllic blend of rural and urban settings. Taking in views of Little River and wetlands, as well as connecting to other greenways such as City of Norwalk’s Heritage Park Maritime Center.
This trail provides an excellent way to get around town and discover its history, passing by many historic sites and landmarks including the old courthouse, an exquisite example of tropical architecture; pearling locations; and Kennedy Hill. Furthermore, the trail provides an opportunity to take a breather from city life!
An extensive trail system makes walking and bicycling accessible to people of all ages. Research indicates that having safe places within 10 minutes from one’s home makes them 1.5 times more likely to meet recommended physical activity levels, leading to reduced dependence on automobiles resulting in lower emissions and better air quality for all.
Greenways are not only great way to stay active and healthy; they can also promote tourism and economic development within our community. By drawing visitors to nearby historic sites, restaurants and businesses on its route, the greenway will bring in additional revenues to our region.
No matter your pace or adventure level, Two Rivers Greenway has something to offer everyone! To learn about other trails and outdoor recreation in Broome County visit Go All Out Broome; or for planning day hikes, weekend campouts and multi-day backpacking trips contact Triple Cities Hiking Club who have resources available to them in planning their outdoor journeys; plus check out NY State Forests for a full listing.